Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Name Box located next to the formula bar
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Microsoft Excel is a widely used spreadsheet application. Its interface includes several components such as the title bar, ribbon, formula bar, name box and status bar. Each component has a specific purpose. One basic skill is knowing where Excel displays the address of the currently active cell, such as A1 or C3. This question tests your familiarity with the Excel user interface and where to look for the current cell reference.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The Name Box in Excel is located to the left of the formula bar and shows the address of the active cell or the name of a selected range. When you click on a cell, the Name Box updates to display its coordinate, such as A1. The formula bar, by contrast, shows the contents of the cell, such as a number, text or formula, not the address. The title bar shows the name of the workbook file. The status bar at the bottom can show messages and summary calculations, and worksheet tabs show sheet names. Therefore, the correct answer is that the current cell address is shown in the Name Box next to the formula bar.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Excel help documentation and tutorials identify the Name Box as the area that displays the active cell reference. When demonstrating navigation, trainers often say, "Look at the Name Box to see which cell is selected." The formula bar is consistently described as the place where you view and edit cell contents. The title bar shows the file name, and status bar displays information such as Sum, Average or Count of selected cells. Worksheet tabs display sheet names like Sheet1, Sheet2. None of these other elements are documented as showing the active cell address by default. This confirms that the Name Box is the correct answer.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse the formula bar and Name Box because they are adjacent and look similar. A useful memory trick is that the formula bar is wide and used for typing formulas, while the Name Box is smaller and used to show names and addresses. Another pitfall is thinking that the status bar might show the address because it displays various useful information; however, its main purpose is to show hints and summaries, not the active cell reference. To answer correctly, remember that cell addresses live in the Name Box.
Final Answer:
In Microsoft Excel, the address of the currently selected cell is displayed in the Name Box located next to the formula bar.
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